How to Apply for Federal Jobs in four basic steps:

1. 1. Create an account

Enter your profile information and create a resume.

Please note that you do not need to create a "My Account" to search for jobs, but you must create an account to apply for jobs online.

2. Search jobs

Use basic search to enter in job and location keyword information from the USAJOBS home page or the advanced search function. Review the job opportunity announcements and note of those of interest. Carefully review the "Qualification and Evaluation" section to determine whether you will qualify for the position.

3. Apply for jobs

Carefully follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" section for each announcement. Submit any additional documentation to verify your qualifications such as transcripts, SF-50 Notification of Personnel action, and/or Veterans' Form DD-214.

4. Manage Your Career

Log into your account to obtain application status for positions for which you have applied.

Contact the agency for specific follow-up questions or those related to the particular job. The agency contact information is listed on the right-hand side of the announcement.

The Veterans' Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) makes a willful violation of veterans' preference a Prohibited Personnel Practice. If you are a preference eligible and you believe an agency violated any of your rights under the veterans' preference laws or regulations, you may file a formal complaint with the Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) . If VETS is unable to resolve the complaint within 60 days, you may appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB ).

The Uniformed Services Employment and reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) prohibits discrimination in employment, retention, promotion, or any benefit of employment based on your uniformed service. The Department of Labor, through the VETS, provides assistance to all persons having USERRA claims.

If you are a disabled veteran and you believe an agency discriminated against you in employment because of your disability, you may file a disability discrimination complaint with the offending agency under regulations administered by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Examinations for custodians, guards, elevator operators, and messengers must be filled by preference eligible veterans. (5 USC 3310).

As a 10-point preference eligible, you may file an application at any time for any position that was filled on a non-temporary basis in the preceding 3 years provided that a register (list) of eligibles is maintained that is closed to new applications; or if a register is about to be established. If you want to file after the closing date of the register you should contact the agency that announced the position for further information. (5 CFR 332.311)